February 24, 2025: The Quiet Dinner

It’s a dinner I’ll never forget.

Growing up, Ola was my neighbor, an older widow who lived alone. Her closest loved ones resided several states away. She was always quick with a smile and a wave.

After noticing my family struggling through a hard time, she called me over one late afternoon. “Just thinking about y’all,” she said, handing me a big pot of food. “Enjoy.”

No one else knew. No fanfare. No applause. Only compassion, pure and simple.

That was decades ago, but I still think about it.

This week, I stumbled upon a Japanese term: Intoku (陰徳). It means doing good in secret, without seeking the spotlight.

That’s the challenge: to do good when no one’s watching, just because. The ripple effect can last a lifetime.

When I think of Intoku, I picture my sweet friend from across the street, who passed away almost 25 years ago.

Thank you, Ola. Your quiet kindness lives on.